So often we are told to visualize what we want, and then our chances of achieving it will be greatly increased. While this idea is easy to understand and based in the study of neuroscience, the reality of it may actually be much more difficult for some people.

For people who are enveloped in self doubt, fear and worry, the tendency to second guess the visualization can be quite strong. Yes, we may be able to create the image of what we want — let’s say it is to find the perfect partner — but we will struggle to hold the image. So when the going gets tough, and we tend to doubt our future, we will also question the image itself. Questions like, “Can I really find love?” and, “Does he/she actually love me?” will ring through our ears.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is pretty innovative. But then again, so is equine therapy. Perhaps this is why SMWC just launched a new minor in it.

According to Janet Clark, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs, the human equine-facilitated minor, which was developed by the department of social sciences and the department of equine studies, allows students to be well prepared for a meaningful career in equine work.

“This unique minor is a natural extension of SMWC’s strengths,” Clark said. “Capitalizing on our nationally renowned equine program and excellent social sciences program creates a powerful combination for delivering another program of distinction. Our students care deeply about service to others and this new minor gives them another outlet to make a difference.”

After the popularity of my last interview with an equine therapy professional, I thought another would be appropriate. This one is with occupational therapist Amanda DeLizzio.

DeLizzio specializes in hippotherapy, and works at the Memorial Hospital program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Memorial Health System partners with Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center (PPTRC) in Falcon to provide these services. PPTRC is the only therapeutic riding center in the region that has received premier accredited status from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

1. What would you say are the largest benefits of equine therapy?

There are so many benefits to using an equine in therapy.  The biggest benefit in the fields of occupational and physical therapy are improving postural control, core strength and endurance, balance, coordination and motor planning.

These are more the physical benefits, but there are also so many emotional and psychological benefits as well.  Children are empowered by riding the horse; they get an amazing sense of power and control by riding a one thousand pound animal.  The children really connect with the horses and gain so much self-confidence.

While we frequently speak about having more “balance” in our lives, the term can seem a bit vacuous. What exactly do we mean by more balance? And further, does the term refer to psychological balance, such as equal parts positive and negative emotions? Or are we speaking about balance between psychological and physical energy?

Clearly, balance can be hard to define, and even harder to find. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, one of the forerunners of positive psychology and the foremost researcher of the experience of flow  — as defined by having an intense experience where we are completely immersed in something where the demands placed upon us seem to match our capacities perfectly. There is an absence of conscious thought, and the mood is characterized by a state of being contented, peaceful and satisfied.

Interestingly, whatever it is we do when we are in a state of flow, we must be in balance. For the dancer, the painter, the actor, or the singer who experiences this ecstatic experience, should they be off balance, their ability to meet the demands placed upon them would be compromised.

Such is the state when we are on the back of a horse. Should our balance falter, we could, in the worst scenario, fall off. In a less severe state, we would feel as if we were going to fall off.